Bangladesh minor escapes sex trade in Hyderabad, helps rescue 3 women

Hyderabad: A minor girl from Dhaka, who was trafficked into India in February and forced into prostitution, escaped from her captors and sought help at the Bandlaguda police station on Saturday.

Her courage led to the rescue of three more women from West Bengal and the arrest of three accused.

Escape from autorickshaw driver

The girl managed to flee when Mohammed Sameer, 23, an autorickshaw driver allegedly involved in the trafficking network, stepped away to park his vehicle. Seizing the opportunity, she rushed into the police station she had noticed during earlier movements between hideouts.

Rescue operation in Mehdipatnam

Based on her statement, police raided a hotel in Mehdipatnam and rescued three women. The arrested include Hajera Begum of Bandlaguda, Shahnaaz Fathima of Mehdipatnam, and Sameer of Kanchanbagh.

Trafficking route and modus operandi

Chandrayangutta ACP A Sudhakar said the minor was lured by her neighbour, Rupa, in Dhaka, with the promise of a trip to India. The two crossed into West Bengal at night via a riverboat, posing as mother and daughter and later travelled to Hyderabad by train.

Upon arrival, Rupa handed the girl over to Shahnaaz. Sameer then took her to Hajera’s house in Ismailnagar, threatening her with false charges of illegal migration. For months, she moved between houses and hotels in Sameer’s vehicle.

Accused on the run

Police said Rupa of Dhaka and Sarwar of Hyderabad are absconding. Efforts are on to track them down.